Bandits abduct guinea corn farmers, demand hefty ransom
Bandits have reportedly kidnapped at least 16 individuals in a recent attack on Bena village and nearby areas in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Lawali Umar, Secretary of the Security Committee in Wasagu, confirmed that the bandits ambushed victims who were working on their guinea corn farms and took them hostage.
In a separate incident, bandits also raided the Tudun Wada area, abducting six more people.
In response to the attacks, army personnel engaged the bandits in a gunfight, successfully repelling them and rescuing the six abducted individuals.
While some of the 16 originally kidnapped managed to escape, around nine are still being held, with the bandits demanding an undisclosed ransom.
Umar urged the Kebbi State Government to enhance security in vulnerable areas, particularly Yar Maitaba, Mai Rai Rai, and Tungar Sabo, which he identified as known bandit strongholds.
“We commend the state government’s efforts against banditry, but with the guinea corn harvest season approaching, our farmers need better security,” he said.
As at the time of filing this report, Kebbi State Police Command spokesperson Nafiu Abubakar had not responded to calls or messages for comment.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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